As part of the larger Comparative Study of Asian Elderly Project (now called Rapid Demographic Change and the Welfare of the Elderly), a series of focus group discussions were held during 1990-1991 in each of the four collaborating countries (Taiwan, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) with elderly participants (defined as being age 60 or over) and with adults who had an elderly parent. Altogether 86 sessions were completed producing complete transcripts for each (21 in Singapore, 21 in Taiwan, 18 in Philippines and 26 in Thailand). All were conducted in the native languages.

The major objectives of the overall project were to measure the social, economic and health characteristics of the elderly, to predict what changes may occur over the next decades, and to suggest implications for public policy. As part of the broader project, the focus group component aimed to collect a systematic qualitative data on views and opinions of the elderly and their adult children.

Different focus groups were held according to the generation of the participant (elderly versus adult children), residence (rural versus urban), socioeonomic status (high versus lower) and by ethnic groups, if appropriate. Some countries also stratified the focus groups by sex.

Full transcripts, in original language and English translation, are available in ASCII. The transcripts indicate relevant characteristics of the area where they took place: data of data and characteristics of the focus group participants. No full names or addresses of participants are indicated for the purpose of confidentiality.

Universe:

Age 60 or over or an adult with an elderly parent (60+). Groups selected to represent major ethnic groups and geographic areas (rural/urban).